Love Jihad: Victimization of Women through Media; Violation of their Basic Human Rights

Abstract

Media controls and influences thought process in the country. The essential requirement of any democracy is free and fair media but the irresponsible media coverage, instigated by vested interests, becomes the tool to violate citizen’s right in the society. In recent time, inter religious love marriages are facing heat of highly partial and irresponsible media coverage around the country. It has been found that particular section of media propagates and publishes love marriages or inter-caste marriages as ‘Love Jihad’. Investigations conducted by various state governments have proved ‘Love Jihad’ as fake concept but this has not stopped section of media from portraying negative picture of interreligious marriages. Media look it as an opportunity for the violation of women’s rights. The paper discusses some leading controversies over the topic and explores various national and international laws to control and regulate irresponsible coverage done by Media.

Objective: This paper studies the role and responsibilities of Media in violating the basic rights of women on totally flimsy grounds like “Love Jihad”.

Research methodology: Doctrinal research based on secondary sources like research articles, newspapers, magazines, journals and T.V reports.

Keywords: Love Jihad, Love Jehad, India, Muslim, Indian Muslim, Minority Rights, Communalism, Media, Human Rights, Women Rights